Pamelo Mounk'a
Congolese rumba artist (1945-1996)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pamelo Mounk'a (May 10, 1945-January 14, 1996)[1][2][3] was a Congolese singer and songwriter. Born Yves Andre M'Bemba, he was also known as Pablito and Pamelo M'Bemba[4].
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May 10, 1945
Pamelo Mounk'a | |
|---|---|
Pamelo Mounk'a singing at Foire de Brazzaville in 1973 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Pablito, Pamelo M'Bemba |
| Born | Yves Andre M'Bemba May 10, 1945 Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo |
| Died | January 14, 1996 (aged 50) |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter |
| Labels |
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| Formerly of |
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Career
Mounk'a (then calling himself Pablito) got his start when he was hired by Jean Serge Essous in 1963 for Essous' band Les Bantous de la Capitale(fr).[5] He briefly crossed over the river in 1964 to sing with Tabu Ley Rochereau's band African Fiesta, before returning to Brazzaville and the Bantous.[3]
In 1972 Orchestre Bantou broke up, with Mounk'a and two other singers forming the group Trio CEPAKOS.[4][3] In 1978 he rejoined Orchestre Bantou to perform at the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students, which he claims he did at the urging of then-president Joachim Yhombi-Opango.[6][3]
After leaving Orchestre Bantou once more, Mounk'a travelled to Paris in 1981. There, he signed on with Eddy'Son records and recorded L'Argent Appelle L'Argent and Samantha, which were hits.[7] According to Graeme Ewens of the Guardian, the former sold over 400,000 copies across Africa.[3] At this point he began going by the name Mounk'a, which according to him is a Teke name meaning glory.[8]
In 1986 he agreed to return to Orchestre Bantou a third time, now as the conductor,[9] though in a few years he had to leave the role due to health issues.[10]
Legacy
The Congolese Ministry of Culture erected a bust honoring Mounk'a, among others, in Brazzaville.[12] Members of the band Extra Musica have cited Mounk'a as an influence.[13][14]
Discography
- Mansuwa (1968, written while part of Orchestre Bantou)[3]
- L'Argent Appelle L'Argent (1981)[7]
- Samantha (1981)[7]
- Selimandja (1982)[7]
- Propulsion (1982)[7]
- Ca Ne Se Prete Pas (Africain No.1) (1983)[7]
- 20 Ans De Carrière (1983)[7]
- Camitana (1984)[7]
- Metamorphose (1985)[7]
- Assetou Diarabi (1985)[7]
- L'Amour et La Danse (1986, with Orchestre Bantou)[7]
- Cynthia (1986)[7]
- Bonne Chance (1989)[15]
- L'incontournable (1993, compilation album)[16]
- L'essentiel (1993, compilation album)[16]
- L'indispensable (1993, compilation album)[16]
- Les Merveilles du Passé, vol. 2 (1995, with Orchestre Bantou)[17]